After CARmag.co.zabroke the news earlier in February that the SA-spec Volkswagen Golf R had quietly been upgraded to the full-fat 228 kW offered in other markets, the local arm of the Wolfsburg-based firm has now confirmed the change.

Of course, when the refreshed version of the all-wheel-drive hot hatch launched in South Africa back in July 2017 (purely in seven-speed DSG guise thanks to a lack of demand for a manual version), its familiar turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine offered 213 kW, detuned from the global 228 kW output as the country was ostensibly classed as a “hot climate” market.

In addition to the power hike (which finally sees the hottest Golf match the Audi S3), the SA-spec Golf R can now be ordered with an optional “R Performance” titanium exhaust system as well as “R Performance” brakes, complete with brake callipers painted black and bearing the “R” logo.

As we reported earlier in February, the 228 kW version is priced at R676 000, an increase of R12 200 over the outgoing detuned 213 kW model. As before, a five-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) ships standard, along with a three-year/120 000 km warranty.

Ryan has spent most of his career in online media, writing about everything from sport to politics and other forms of crime. But his true passion – reignited by a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 still tucked lifeless in a dark corner of his garage – is of the automotive variety.